When wintertime rolls around and your heating system is working overtime, these are all important factors to consider. Most important of all, however, is how well propane performs in cold weather.

Simply put, does propane freeze?

At Heller’s Gas, we’ve made it our mission to know every aspect of the propane business inside and out, from tank monitoring and equipment functionality to energy yield and, yes, even the propane freezing point. Below, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how chilly temperatures impact propane performance and what you can do to keep your system in working order.

How Cold Weather Affects Propane

Because propane is stored in liquid form, only converting to gas when your heating system is in use, questions like “Can propane freeze?” are certainly valid. The answer to that question is “Yes, but…”

Yes, propane can freeze solid, just like water, but only at a temperature of -306 Fahrenheit. That’s 200 degrees colder than the lowest temperature ever recorded, which means you won’t be carving propane ice sculptures anytime soon. That said, when the temperature falls below -44, propane is unable to reach its boiling point and change from liquid to gas.

Since Pennsylvania’s all-time record low temperature sits at -44 (and that was in 1904) it is unlikely that Heller’s Gas customers have to worry about their tanks reaching the propane freezing point. Still, it is possible. Also possible, and much more probable, is the propane contracting in response to cold. This can cause a drop in tank pressure, which in turn results in poor performance.

How to Prevent Propane Freezing

Fortunately, there are a number of easy ways to protect your propane tanks from the effects of freezing temperatures.

First, it’s a good idea to keep your tank filled to at least 30% during the winter. Heller’s Gas makes it easy with a handy tank monitoring app that allows you to view your propane levels right on your phone. Additionally, customers who sign up for our automatic refill program can rest easy, as our employees can monitor your levels remotely and schedule convenient deliveries that you don’t even have to be home to allow.

Another good wintertime tip: remove any obstructions that block your tank from direct sunlight. Finally, your heating system’s vents, valves, piping, and regulators are all susceptible to cold damage. Thus, it’s important to clear away any snow or ice that accumulates around your propane tank.

Stay Warm in Winter with Heller’s Gas

Family owned since 1941, Heller’s Gas has proudly served the residential and commercial heating needs of customers throughout Pennsylvania for nearly 80 years. We’ve always strived to provide the best service possible, which is why we’ve stayed at the forefront of the industry with convenient, cutting-edge offerings like our automatic refill program, remote tank monitoring apps, and 24/7/365 emergency support.

With winter looming and temperatures falling, you need a propane supplier you can trust to keep your loved ones warm.

Whatever your needs, from residential to commercial to industrial to agricultural, Heller’s Gas can help. Call us today to discover how clean, safe, efficient, and affordable propane can change your life.

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How do you check your propane tank level, though? And what do you do when those levels get low?

At Heller’s Gas, we know there are multiple ways for the average homeowner to check their own propane tank levels. Below, we’ve outlined four of the simplest and most reliable methods for how to check the propane level in a large tank or a small one.

As for what you should do when you need a refill, we can help with that as well. With our flexible payment options and the freedom to schedule propane deliveries only when you need them—you don’t even have to be at home!—Heller’s Gas makes home heating easy, affordable, and stress-free.

3 Ways to Check Your Home’s Propane Tank Level

Download Our App!

Not everyone wants to mess around with bathroom scales and cups of water, and even those who have indicator gauges on their tanks may not want or be able to go outside to check them directly, especially during these cold, winter months Luckily, today’s technology means you don’t have to!Heller’s Gas is proud to offer its own innovative propane tank monitor app to customers with either iOS or Android devices. Simply download and install our app, and you’ll be able to view your tank’s current level from anywhere at any time. Even better, the app can also transmit level readings to our technicians, allowing you to sign up for automatic refills whenever your tanks run low.

Consult Your Tank’s Gauge

If you’re using a tank from Heller’s Gas, the quickest and most convenient way to check your propane tank level is to go outside and check the gauge. If your gauge is reading 80%, your tank is full leaving room for expansion and vaporization in the tank. If your gauge shows a tank level of 30% or lower, you should schedule a refill. 

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but not all tanks come with easy-to-read gauges. While tank rental from Heller’s Gas is always free, some customers prefer to use their own tanks.

The “Warm Water” Method

If precision isn’t a major concern for you, another way to check your propane tank level is the “warm water” method. This clever trick involves heating up a glass of water, dousing your tank with it, then running your hand up and down the length of the tank.

Because of the physical reaction between the warm water on the tank’s surface and the gas inside, you’ll actually be able to feel a cold spot at the tank’s fill level, providing you with a rough idea of just how long you have left before the next refill.

Heller’s Gas is Here to Serve All Your Propane Needs

Since 1941, we at Heller’s Gas have strived to provide our community with the very best home heating services, ensuring that you and your loved ones can stay warm and comfy on even the coldest nights.

Those services don’t begin and end at propane tank level monitoring and scheduling refills, either. We also provide home heating system installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement. And with emergency services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, you can rest assured that you’ll never be without heat or help when you need it most.Contact us today to learn more and get a free quote!

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Since 1941, Heller’s Gas has served customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond and is proud to offer automatic delivery, tank monitoring, live customer service agents, online portal, and much much more! We know that questions often arise about propane safety when snow starts to fall, so we’ve prepared some simple advice that will help protect you and your loved ones when winter’s worst hits.

4 Winter Safety Tips for Propane Users

1. Mark Your Tank

Depending on where your propane tank is located, it’s not uncommon it to become partially or fully covered by snow during a winter storm. Even if not completely buried, it can be surprisingly easy to lose track of where exactly your tank is.

This can be a real problem when you need to remove accumulated ice, make an adjustment, or schedule a fill. That’s why Heller’s Gas recommends customers mark the location of their tanks with a tall, brightly colored flag, stake, or pole ahead of the storm.

2. Inform Plow Operators

Although propane is one of the safest fuel sources available, it can still pose a danger when treated irresponsibly. That’s part of why marking the location of tanks is key to propane safety.

It’s also why it’s a good idea to inform local snowplow operators and any contractor you employ to clear snow from your property that you use propane and note where your tank is located. 

3. Shovel a Path to Your Tank

If you are scheduled to get a fill during or after a snowfall, kindly shovel a path to the tank for our delivery drivers. If you are not able, please inform our office before the driver arrives. 

4. Remove Ice & Snow with Care

It’s important to keep your tank free of ice and snow to ensure deliveries can be made, but there are also scientific reasons that make this a top priority. 

Since propane tanks are pressurized containers, a collision with one can be hazardous, as described above. Also, leaving tanks covered can cause the propane inside to contract, resulting in pressure loss and poor performance. Finally, ice and snow can damage the valves, vents, piping, and regulators. After heavy snowfall, carefully remove any accumulations on or around your tank. Beware of snow and ice falling onto your tanks from your roof. Use care around your tank to prevent damage.

Heller’s Gas Helps You Heat Your Home

As a family-owned business, Heller’s Gas has always prioritized the care and well-being of our customers. You can rest assured that our experienced and professional employees take propane safety seriously. Whether you’re switching to propane or are a long-time propane user, Heller’s Gas has you covered!

Call us today to learn about our flexible payment options, automatic refill program, tank monitoring, fireplace installations, and much much more!

The post Propane Safety and Preparing for Winter Snowfall appeared first on Heller's Gas.

Gas leaks, as rare as they are, always have a chance of occurring. They can happen as the result of damage during construction, faulty appliances, and leaky or cracked pipes. Allowing your tank(s) to run out of gas can also create the potential for a gas leak to happen. Tampering with propane equipment or appliances, modifying or repairing valves, and generally messing around with your propane tank or distribution system are other potential causes of gas leaks.

Propane has a strong, unpleasant scent reminiscent of rotten eggs or skunk spray. In its natural state, propane gas is odorless. Propane manufacturers intentionally add Ethyl Mercaptan to propane specifically to produce the smell of rotten eggs. This is so the customer will become alerted to any gas leaks almost as soon as they happen.

Should you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, immediately contact us at Heller’s Gas by calling 1-800-422-0560 to report a gas leak. Our customer service and support is unmatched.

What to Do If You Smell Propane Gas

Should you notice a propane smell in your house or near your tank(s), follow these guidelines to ensure your own safety and that of others.

1. No Flames or Sparks – Immediately put out all smoking material and other open flames. Do not operate lights, telephones, or cell phones.
2. Leave the Area Immediately – Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking.
3. Shut Off Gas – Turn off the main gas supply valve on your tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).
4. Report the Leak – Your safety is our priority. Go to a neighbor’s home or nearby building away from the gas leak. Once you are at a safe location, call us at Heller’s Gas (1-800-422-0560) to report the leak. If for any reason you cannot reach us, call 911 or your local fire department.
5. Do Not Return to the Building or Area – Stay away from the source of the leak until a Heller’s Gas technician or fire service personnel determine that it is safe to return.
6. Get Your System Checked – Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, Heller’s Gas must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free. We offer a propane tank monitoring service to ensure all remains safe with your propane tank as you use it. If we detect any problems, assist as quickly as possible.

Call Heller’s Gas to Report Propane Tank Issues

While gas leaks are rare, they can happen to anyone. If you smell propane, or you suspect there is some other safety issue with your propane tank or distribution system, do not hesitate to contact us at Heller’s Gas. We are committed to your safety and satisfaction!

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